You’ve incorporated your Vietnamese company. The IRC and ERC are issued. Charter capital has been contributed.
Now the critical question: How do you actually live and work in Vietnam legally as an Indian national?
The answer involves navigating three interconnected systems: entry visas, work permits (or exemptions), and Temporary Residence Cards. Get this right and you have legal, multi-year residency as a business owner. Get it wrong and you’re living on tourist visa runs a situation that has become increasingly untenable as Vietnam clamps down.
This guide covers everything an Indian entrepreneur needs to know.
Vietnam Visa Options for Indian Nationals
Indian passport holders have several visa options for Vietnam, depending on purpose and duration:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Max Stay | Multiple Entry? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa | Tourism/business | 90 days | Yes (single and multiple) |
| DN1 visa | Invited by Vietnamese company | 90 days | Yes |
| DN2 visa | Investor / capital contributor | 90 days → can get TRC | Yes |
| LD (Labour) | Accompanied by work permit | 2 years | Yes |
| TRC | Long-term residence (investor or WP holder) | 2–5 years | N/A (resident) |
| DT visa | Investor visa (significant capital) | 5 years | Yes |
For Indian nationals who own a Vietnamese company, the journey typically follows this path:
E-visa (initial entry) → DN2/DT visa (business owner) → Work Permit exemption or Work Permit + LD visa → TRC
E-Visa: The Starting Point
Vietnam’s e-visa is the simplest entry option for Indians visiting for business setup or short-term work.
Key Facts (2026)
- Eligible nationalities: 111 countries including India no sponsorship needed
- Validity: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
- Purpose: Tourism OR business (explicitly included)
- Application: Online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Processing time: 3–5 working days (standard)
- Fee: USD 25 (single entry) / USD 50 (multiple entry)
What You Can Do on an E-Visa
- Attend business meetings, due diligence visits
- Sign documents, meet lawyers, open bank accounts
- Attend incorporation proceedings
- Short-term work (grey area technically e-visa is for visits, not employment, but common for initial setup)
What You Cannot Do Indefinitely
You cannot repeatedly re-enter Vietnam on e-visas as a substitute for a work permit or TRC. This was common practice before 2023, but Vietnamese immigration authorities have increased scrutiny. Multiple consecutive e-visa entries and exits raise flags.
DN Visa (Business Visa) The Business Owner’s Entry
The DN visa is specifically designed for business visitors and investors.
DN1 vs DN2
DN1 Visa:
- Issued to foreigners invited by a Vietnamese company or organisation
- Your Vietnamese company can invite you (as the foreign owner/investor) i.e., you invite yourself through your company
- Validity: up to 90 days, multiple entry
- Requires: official invitation letter from the Vietnamese company
- Application: Through Vietnamese Immigration Department or online portal
DN2 Visa:
- Issued specifically to investors and capital contributors in Vietnamese entities
- Stronger basis than DN1 for extended presence
- Validity: up to 90 days, multiple entry
- Required for: transitioning to DT visa or TRC based on investment status
How to Get a DN Visa
- Your Vietnamese company issues a formal invitation letter on company letterhead, signed by the legal representative
- The letter is submitted to the Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý Xuất nhập cảnh) for approval
- Visa approval letter issued (for visa-on-arrival at airports) or visa stamped at embassy
- For Indian nationals with e-visa access, the e-visa process is simpler but DN visa provides a stronger legal basis for longer stays
Investor Visa via Capital Contribution: The DT Visa
The DT Visa (Đầu tư Investment) is the most powerful visa for foreign investors in Vietnam.
DT Visa Categories
| Category | Requirement | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| DT1 | Investment capital ≥ VND 100 billion (~$4M USD) | 5 years |
| DT2 | Investment capital VND 50–100 billion (~$2M–$4M) | 5 years |
| DT3 | Investment capital VND 3–50 billion (~$120K–$2M) | 3 years |
| DT4 | Investment capital < VND 3 billion (~$120K) | 1 year |
For most Indian SME investors (charter capital USD 50,000–500,000), the relevant categories are DT3 (3-year visa) or DT4 (1-year visa).
DT Visa Application Documents
- IRC (Investment Registration Certificate) proof of your investment
- ERC (Enterprise Registration Certificate) proof of company
- Capital contribution confirmation (bank transfer evidence)
- Passport (6 months validity)
- Application form
- 2 passport photos
Key Advantage of DT Visa
A DT visa holder is recognised as an investor not just a visitor or employee. This is the basis for:
- Work permit exemption (most important see Section 7)
- Temporary Residence Card application as an investor
- Long multi-year stays without visa runs
Work Permit Requirements The General Rule
Under Vietnam’s Labour Code and Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP (as amended), all foreigners working in Vietnam are required to have a work permit unless they qualify for an exemption.
“Working” includes:
- Managing a company
- Performing services under a contract
- Working under an employment contract
- Providing technical expertise
- Training
There is no distinction between “owner” and “employee” in the general rule. As a foreign company owner, if you are actively managing the company (attending meetings, making decisions, signing documents), you are technically “working” in Vietnam.
Work Permit Validity
Work permits in Vietnam are valid for a maximum of 2 years and are renewable for successive 2-year periods. There is no absolute cap on the number of renewals.
Who Issues Work Permits?
- Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA): For most foreign workers
- Management Boards of Industrial/Economic Zones: For workers in IZs/EZs
Work Permit Exemptions Who Qualifies?
Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP lists categories of foreign workers exempt from work permits. The most relevant for Indian investors are:
Category 1: Capital Contributors / Investors
Foreigners who are the owner or co-owner of a limited liability company (LLC) or member of the Board of Directors (for Joint Stock Company) in Vietnam are exempt from work permit requirements.
This is the single most important exemption for Indian company owners.
Conditions for exemption:
- Your name must appear in the ERC as a capital contributor (member) of the LLC, OR as a Board of Directors member of the JSC
- You must apply for a Work Permit Exemption Certificate from DoLISA
- The exemption certificate is valid for the duration of your role (up to 2 years, renewable)
Category 2: Head of Representative Office / Project
Heads of representative offices, project offices, or chief representatives of foreign organisations are exempt.
Category 3: Intra-Company Transferees (Short-term)
Managers, executives, and specialists transferred within a multinational for under 30 days, maximum 90 days/year.
Category 4: Lawyers Practising Foreign Law
Lawyers licensed under Vietnamese law with foreign practising certificates.
Category 5: Trainees/Students
Interns, students, and trainees with sponsoring institutions.
The Capital Contributor Exemption (Most Relevant for Investors)
This is the default path for Indian entrepreneurs who own their Vietnamese LLC.
How It Works
When you incorporate your Vietnamese LLC and your name appears in the ERC as a member (thành viên) with your capital contribution declared, you are legally the owner-investor.
You do not need a work permit to manage your own company. But you do need to formalise this through a Work Permit Exemption Certificate (Giấy xác nhận không thuộc diện cấp giấy phép lao động).
Without this certificate, even though you are legally exempt, you may face issues:
- Your LD visa cannot be obtained (needed for TRC)
- Employers (if you also work elsewhere) won’t know your status
- Immigration checks may require proof of legal work status
Work Permit Exemption Certificate Application
Filed with: DoLISA of the province where your company is registered
Documents required:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form (Mẫu số 09, Decree 152) | In Vietnamese |
| Copy of ERC | Showing you as capital contributor |
| Copy of IRC | |
| Certified copy of passport | |
| Health certificate (from licensed Vietnamese hospital) | Less than 12 months old |
| Criminal record certificate | From India — apostilled |
| 2 passport photos (4x6cm, white background) | |
| Copy of current visa/entry stamp |
Timeline: 3 business days after submission of complete dossier (per regulations), but in practice 5–7 working days.
Validity: Up to 2 years. Must renew before expiry.
Fee: Approximately VND 600,000–800,000 (~USD 25–30)
The Work Permit Process: Step-by-Step (For Those Who Need One)
If you are a foreign manager or employee in your Vietnamese company (rather than the equity owner on the ERC), or you hold less than the required capital for exemption, you must obtain a full work permit.
Step 1: Company Gets Approval to Hire Foreign Worker
Before applying for the work permit, the Vietnamese company must submit a request to DoLISA explaining:
- Why a Vietnamese national cannot fill the position
- The job title, requirements, and salary
- The duration of employment
DoLISA issues an approval letter within 10 working days.
Step 2: Applicant Prepares Documents
| Document | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application form (Mẫu số 11, Decree 152) | In Vietnamese; company prepares |
| Health certificate | From licensed Vietnamese hospital; valid within 12 months; must show no contagious diseases |
| Criminal record (police clearance) | From India — see Section 10 |
| 2 passport photos (4×6, white background) | |
| Certified copy of passport | All pages |
| Educational qualifications | Certified + notarised Vietnamese translation |
| Experience proof | Employment letters, contracts, professional certificates |
| Copy of existing visa/TRC |
Step 3: Submit to DoLISA
Filing the complete dossier with the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of the relevant province.
Step 4: DoLISA Reviews and Issues Work Permit
Timeline: 5 working days (legal requirement) from receipt of complete dossier. In practice, 7–10 working days.
Work permit card issued: Specifies employer, job title, and validity (maximum 2 years).
Step 5: Obtain LD Visa
With the work permit, apply for an LD visa (labour visa) from the Immigration Department. This allows multi-year legal stay.
Step 6: Apply for TRC (see Section 11)
Health Certificate Requirements
A health certificate is required for both the work permit exemption certificate and the full work permit.
Where to Get It
The health certificate must be issued by a licensed Vietnamese hospital or medical facility health certificates from India or other countries are generally not accepted for Vietnamese work permit purposes.
Recommended hospitals for foreigners:
Ho Chi Minh City:
- FV Hospital (French-managed; English services)
- Vinmec HCMC
- Columbia Asia Saigon
Hanoi:
- Vinmec Times City
- Hong Ngoc Hospital
- Hanoi French Hospital
What the Health Check Includes
- Blood pressure, height, weight, BMI
- Chest X-ray (TB screening)
- Blood tests (hepatitis B/C, HIV voluntary but encouraged)
- Eye examination
- General physical examination by physician
- Mental health assessment (brief)
Cost & Timeline
- Cost: VND 1,500,000–3,500,000 (~USD 60–140) depending on facility
- Timeline: Same day or next day results at most facilities
- Validity: 12 months from issue date
Key Requirement
The health certificate must explicitly state that the applicant is “fit to work” (đủ sức khỏe để làm việc) and has no contagious diseases. Make sure the issuing doctor includes this statement in the appropriate format per DoLISA requirements.
Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance)
The criminal record certificate (CRC), also known as police clearance certificate, is one of the most time-consuming documents to obtain for Indian nationals.
What Vietnam Requires
Vietnam requires a criminal record certificate from:
- Your home country (India) covering your entire history as an Indian citizen, AND
- Any country you’ve resided in for 6+ months in the past 6 years
Getting Your Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Option A: Through the Regional Passport Office (RPO)
- Apply online at passportindia.gov.in → Police Clearance Certificate
- OR at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) / Regional Passport Office
- Documents: Passport copy, Aadhar, address proof, application form, fee payment
- Timeline: 7–21 days depending on state and police verification
- Fee: INR 500 (online)
Option B: Through Indian Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam (while in Vietnam)
If you are already in Vietnam, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi or Indian Consulate in HCMC can assist with PCC processing for Indian nationals abroad.
Timeline via Embassy: 4–8 weeks (requires coordination with Indian police authorities)
Apostille Requirement:
Vietnam’s immigration and DoLISA require that foreign-issued criminal records be apostilled under the Hague Convention.
- India became a signatory to the Apostille Convention in 2005.
- Apostille is available from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India through the RPO or directly at MEA’s Delhi office.
- After apostille: the document must be translated into Vietnamese by a licensed translation company in Vietnam and notarised in Vietnam.
Total Process (India PCC → Ready for Vietnam Use)
- Apply for PCC from Indian RPO/PSK 1–3 weeks
- Get apostille from MEA 3–7 working days (after PCC issued)
- Ship original to Vietnam (courier) 3–5 days
- Vietnamese translation and notarisation 2–3 days
- Total: approximately 4–6 weeks
Start this process early. PCC is the single biggest timeline bottleneck for Indian professionals getting Vietnam work permits.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) Thẻ Tạm Trú is Vietnam’s equivalent of a long-stay resident permit. It replaces the need for a visa and allows you to live in Vietnam legally for its full validity period.
TRC Categories Relevant for Indian Investors
| TRC Type | Basis | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| NG3 | Investor (capital contributor in Vietnamese company) | 2–5 years |
| LĐ | Work permit holder | Equal to work permit (up to 2 years) |
| ĐT | DT visa holder (investor) | Equal to DT visa validity |
For Indian company owners using the capital contributor exemption: NG3 TRC is the target.
TRC Application Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form (NA6) | |
| Valid passport | Minimum 12 months remaining |
| Current visa (valid) | |
| Work permit exemption certificate or work permit | |
| ERC / IRC | Proof of investor status |
| Temporary residence registration at your address | Required — done at local ward/commune police station |
| Passport photos (2, 3x4cm) | |
| Application fee | ~VND 1,200,000 (~USD 48) |
Temporary Residence Registration
Before applying for TRC, you must register your temporary residence at your accommodation address. This is done at the local ward police station (Công an phường) where you live.
Your landlord must accompany you (or submit a separate form) confirming your occupancy. This is usually handled by the landlord or your serviced apartment management.
Timeline: 1–3 days
TRC Processing
Filed with: Local Immigration Department (Phòng Quản lý Xuất nhập cảnh)
Timeline: 5–10 working days (legally 7 days)
Validity:
- For investors (NG3): Typically 2 years, renewable
- Maximum for NG3: 5 years per cycle (for higher capital contributors)
TRC Renewal
TRC renewal requires the same documents plus proof of continued investment status. Start renewal process 1 month before expiry to avoid gaps in legal status.
Dependants: Bringing Family to Vietnam
Spouses and children of TRC/work permit holders can obtain Vietnamese visas and TRCs.
Spouse
- Apply for VR visa (visit/family reunion) → then TRC based on spouse’s TRC/work permit
- Documents: marriage certificate (apostilled + Vietnamese translation), spouse’s TRC/work permit, passport
- TRC validity: equal to the principal holder’s TRC
Children (Under 18)
- Apply for TRC as dependent minor
- Documents: birth certificate (apostilled + Vietnamese translation), passport
- Must be registered in household (if staying > 30 days)
Indian Apostille for Family Documents
All Indian documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate) must be apostilled at the MEA, then translated and notarised in Vietnam. Plan 4–6 weeks for this.
International Schools (for Children)
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have strong international school options:
- HCMC: British Vietnamese International School, Singapore International School, ISHCMC, Renaissance International School
- Hanoi: British School of Hanoi, United Nations International School (UNIS), Hanoi International School
Annual fees: USD 15,000–30,000/year per child. Budget accordingly.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Relying Indefinitely on E-Visa Runs
Many Indian business owners in Vietnam’s early years used to fly to Singapore or Bangkok every 90 days for visa renewal. Vietnam’s immigration department has increased scrutiny. Multiple consecutive tourist/e-visa entries without work permit or TRC will eventually result in:
- Denial of entry
- Requirement to get proper work authorisation before re-entry
Fix: Get your work permit exemption certificate and TRC sorted within the first 3 months of operations.
Mistake 2: Not Apostilling Documents Before Arriving
The apostille process for Indian PCC and family documents takes 4–8 weeks total. Many entrepreneurs don’t start this until they arrive in Vietnam, causing months of limbo on incomplete TRC/work permit applications.
Fix: Initiate PCC + apostille while the Vietnamese company incorporation is in progress (the processes can run in parallel).
Mistake 3: Wrong Health Certificate Source
Getting a health check in India and bringing it to Vietnam. DoLISA will not accept it.
Fix: Get your health certificate from a licensed Vietnamese medical facility after arriving. Book on your first week in Vietnam.
Mistake 4: Not Registering Temporary Residence
Living in a serviced apartment without completing temporary residence registration. This is a legal requirement for all foreigners staying more than 30 days. Failure to register:
- Makes TRC application impossible
- Can result in fines for both you and your landlord
Fix: Ask your apartment/accommodation to complete temporary residence registration (đăng ký tạm trú) within the first week of arrival.
Mistake 5: Letting TRC Expire
TRC expiry means you are technically in Vietnam on an overstayed status until you either depart or renew. Overstays attract:
- Fines (VND 3–5M per incident)
- Possible ban from re-entry
Fix: Set a calendar reminder 60 days before TRC expiry. Start renewal process 30 days before expiry.
FAQs
Q: Can I manage my Vietnamese company on a tourist/e-visa? A: Technically, working in Vietnam on a tourist visa is illegal under Vietnamese labour law. For initial setup activities (signing documents, opening bank accounts), e-visa is practically used. For ongoing management, get your work permit exemption certificate.
Q: How much capital do I need to qualify for the DT3 investor visa? A: DT3 requires investment capital of VND 3–50 billion (approximately USD 120,000–2,000,000). Most Indian SME investors with USD 150,000–500,000 in charter capital will qualify for DT3 (3-year visa).
Q: Can my spouse work in Vietnam on my TRC? A: A dependent TRC does not grant work rights. Your spouse needs their own work permit (or work permit exemption if they also have an investor status) to work in Vietnam.
Q: Is the Indian PCC (apostilled) valid for use in Vietnam permanently? A: No. For work permit and TRC renewals, you need a PCC that was issued within the last 6 months (some offices accept 12 months). Budget for repeat PCC applications every 2 years at renewal.
Q: Do I need a work permit exemption certificate if I’m only visiting Vietnam occasionally to check on my company? A: If you are visiting for fewer than 30 days per visit and fewer than 90 days per year, e-visa + company visits may be defensible. For regular presence (monthly visits, managing staff, signing contracts), formalise through the work permit exemption route.
Q: What if my capital contribution is below VND 3 billion (< ~$120K)? Can I still get a DT visa? A: Yes DT4 category applies for investment below VND 3 billion. Validity is 1 year (vs 3 years for DT3). For smaller investments, the DT4 + annual renewal is the path.
Q: Can I hire an agent to handle my visa and work permit? A: Yes, and it is strongly recommended. Vietnam immigration paperwork is in Vietnamese, processes change without public notice, and ward-level police stations have informal requirements. Engaging a reputable immigration agent ($200–500 for work permit exemption; $300–600 for full work permit + TRC) saves time and avoids mistakes
Conclusion
Vietnam’s visa and work permit system has distinct, legitimate pathways for Indian entrepreneurs who own Vietnamese companies:
- Enter on e-visa or DN visa
- Formalise your status with a Work Permit Exemption Certificate (if you are a capital contributor on the ERC) or full Work Permit (if employed by your company)
- Stabilise with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for 2–5 year uninterrupted legal residence
- Maintain through timely renewals and ongoing compliance
The bottleneck is almost always the Indian PCC start it early. Everything else has a 1–3 week timeline once documents are in order.
Done correctly, an Indian entrepreneur can be legally resident in Vietnam within 8–12 weeks of their first arrival — with a 2–5 year TRC and no visa anxiety.